Bloomin' Brands, Inc. current report, 16 May 2014

Bloomin' Brands, Inc. 8-K Summary

Business Context and Reporting Period

This Form 8-K, dated May 16, 2014, reports that OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC ("OSI"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bloomin' Brands, Inc., entered into a material definitive agreement to amend its existing credit facility. The filing details a refinancing of a majority of OSI's existing indebtedness.

Key Financial Metrics and Debt Structure

The Amended Credit Agreement provides for senior secured financing totaling up to $1.125 billion, structured as follows:

  • Term Loan A: New facility of $300.0 million.
  • Term Loan B: Reduced from $925.0 million to $225.0 million.
  • Revolving Credit Facility: Increased from $225.0 million to $600.0 million (includes $75.0 million letter of credit sub-facility and $60.0 million swing-line loan).

At closing, $400.0 million was drawn under the revolving credit facility. An additional $29.6 million was committed for letters of credit. The total outstanding indebtedness remains unchanged as proceeds were used to pay down a portion of the existing Term Loan B.

Interest Rates:

  • Term Loan A & Revolver: 75-125 bps over Base Rate or 175-225 bps over Eurocurrency Rate.
  • Term Loan B: 150 bps over Base Rate or 250 bps over Eurocurrency Rate (unchanged).

Maturities: Term Loan A and Revolver mature May 16, 2019; Term Loan B matures October 26, 2019.

Material Changes Versus Prior Period

The primary change is the restructuring of the debt mix to increase liquidity and extend maturities for a portion of the debt:

  • Revolving Capacity: Increased by $375.0 million (from $225.0 million to $600.0 million).
  • Term Loan B: Reduced by $700.0 million (from $925.0 million to $225.0 million).
  • New Term Loan A: Introduced with a $300.0 million capacity.
  • Covenants: New Total Net Leverage Ratio (TNLR) test introduced for Term Loan A and Revolver, capped at 5.00 to 1.00 for fiscal years 2014-2017, stepping down to 4.75 to 1.00 in 2018.

Management Commentary, Risks, and Obligations

Prepayment Obligations: OSI is required to prepay term loans with 50% of "annual excess cash flow" (stepping down to 0% if the consolidated senior secured net leverage ratio is ≤ 2.50 to 1.00), 100% of net proceeds from asset sales, and 100% of net proceeds from new debt.

Scheduled Payments:

  • Term Loan B: $2.5 million quarterly.
  • Term Loan A: Quarterly payments of $3.8 million (2014-2016), $5.6 million (2016-2018), and $7.5 million (2018-2019).

Collateral and Guarantees: Obligations are guaranteed by domestic subsidiaries of Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, and Bonefish Grill, and secured by substantially all assets of OSI and its guarantors.

Risks: The filing notes that certain lenders have performed investment banking and advisory services for the Company, creating potential conflicts of interest in future transactions.

Investor Verification Checklist

  • Verify the impact of the new 5.00 to 1.00 Total Net Leverage Ratio covenant on future capital flexibility.
  • Confirm the calculation of "annual excess cash flow" to assess mandatory prepayment risks.
  • Review the specific interest rate floors (2.0% for Base Rate, 1.0% for Eurocurrency Rate) applicable to Term Loan B.
  • Monitor the utilization of the new $600.0 million revolving facility versus the $400.0 million drawn at closing.
  • Check for any subsequent filings regarding the press release referenced in Item 7.01 for additional management commentary.